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Saturday chores

Huh…

Another photo that looks very un-January-ish.

Earlier in the week, after 3 days in the upper 40’s, including 1 day that set a new record high, eclipsing a record that has stood since 1903!!! – I went up on the roof with the blower and cleared the pine needles.

Blowing pine needles off the roof is usually a Spring chore and a late Spring chore at that. Both the roof and the needles need to be on the dry side, else they just stick.

Today, although it was more normal on the temperature scale at 35F, since there was no snow and all those needles off the roof, went to live with those on the ground…and since Bear and I were outside anyway, I decided to rake the worst of them up and cart them off into the woods…hopefully far enough into the woods that they don’t blow back in the yard in a Spring windstorm.

Meanwhile, Bear explored…

And just enjoyed.

The other reason we were outside is that the motorhome was running and its generator was running…my normal, every 3 week startup and battery check. All is A-ok with Wild Thing!

With chores complete, we adjourned to the sunroom and relaxed in an indoor way. Saturday chores.

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Out and about

Another work deadline met, Bear and I headed to town for a few supplies, stopping on the way at a favorite river access for a quick walk.

The light looks like Fall light – that crisp, clear light with sun, some clouds and sharp contrasts.

The boat launch looks a bit on the iffy side… BUT, there was a truck and empty trailer in the parking area, so someone figured out how to get on the river. Bear and I stood and contemplated…

And then went on to the dump…

A cold front was whooshing in. Dark clouds with openings here and there, light on the lake – beautiful.

The days errands accomplished, we headed home and later…

the waxing gibbous, more than 3/4 full but high in the sky before sunset.

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Alpenglo clouds

Last thing I do before shutting down my computer for the night is make a schedule for the next day. It is more wishful thinking than concrete plan but I have a number of hours of work to get in, walks/play/training with Bear, time with Bob…

One thing I try to always do is get outside with Bear about 1/2 hour before sunset for a final daylight time outside.

This evening, we were out about 45 minutes before sunset. It was 45F!!! and sunny. I had more work, but not a lot and who knows, it might decide to be Winter any day now.

Aside from enjoying the mild and sunny weather, Bear and I are trying to get the TAGG pet tracker to work to the best of its abililty and/or get appropriate tech support which requires getting as much info as possible…more on that another time.

All that needs to be known this evening is that we were located in a spot with a clear view of the sky, I had the TAGG positioned on the top of Bear’s neck…had him stay while I fussed with the software.

And meanwhile…

The clouds turned pink, the moon was in view…

And it was just beautiful. Alpenglo clouds.

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January?

January 2 in Northwest Montana….really?

Really.

Ugghh…Whitefish Mountain…or as those of use who have been in these environs for a while say…Big Mountain…looking lacking in the snow deparment.

And the road home??? Beautiful, but ditto!

January??? Looks like March to me.

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First moon: 2012

Last night, the sky was clear, the moon was bright and the stars were thick in the night sky. The eve of the new year.

Today, was clear and sunny. It was colder than it has been – actually normal cold of mid-20’s but it felt colder since it has been so mild.

Tonight, first night of 2012, the quarter moon is fuzzy in cloud cover. Fog is forecast for late tonight and early tomorrow.

Bear and I puttered in the woods as dusk turned to dark. After a bit he laid down in a small patch of snow. I sat on the front porch and we enjoyed a companionable sharing of the night. The quarter moon had risen mid-afternoon and now, was shining through the trees, muted…with no snow to reflect its soft light.

But through the camera lens, drawing the moon close with all the zoom I have…the moon was bright through the branches.

First moon: 2012